The Task Force El Niño advised that local government units (LGUs) consider suspending in-person classes due to the potential impact of rising temperatures, particularly on students.
Assistant Secretary Joey Villarama of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) and spokeswoman for Task Force El Niño stated that LGUs can halt in-person instruction, especially on days when the heat index renders unconducive conditions for learning.
"Kung kayo po ay nakaka-experience ng extreme heat sa inyong lokalidad, nasa sa inyo po ang kapangyarihan po para i-shift ang inyong face-to-face classes to online classes," he said.
Learning in surging temperatures
Villarama emphasized that LGUs have to consider the potential negative impacts of rising temperatures on students and educators.
"Kung hindi po talaga viable at hindi na po talagang advisable na tumungo pa sa mga classroom ang ating mga kabataan, pati ang ating mga teacher, ay mag-shift na po tayo sa online classes," he added.
On the other hand, Department of Education (DepEd) assistant Secretary Francis Bringas added that students and instructors may wear more comfortable clothing on school property whenever the conditions deem it necessary.
In addition to LGUs, school heads also possess the power to declare a class suspension, as previously stated by the DepEd.
Fighting the heat
To prevent potentially catastrophic heat stroke conditions brought on by the dry weather, former Health Secretary and House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin urged drinking water as soon as one feels thirsty.
"It’s so important that you carry a water bottle or water container. Do not wait for the time when you are thirsty that you have to drink water. Even with just a little desire to drink or if you feel that the heat is unbearable, drink water,” she said.
The DOH's recent health bulletin reiterated the following first-aid recommendations if someone has heat stroke:
- transfer the person to a cooler or shady area
- remove clothes that could add up to body heat
- apply cold compress on the underarm, groin, neck, and back
- soak the person in cold water, if possible.
